It is wonderful to live in an age where technology allows us to continue to pursue our passions from the safety of our homes (now that such a need has arisen), and to share our love of music with the community in a time when we need it the most.
In many ways, an online recital is exactly the same as an in-person recital. All of the students who want to perform will still prepare their music with their instructor and practice, practice, practice the same way as always. But of course it will be new too, because this time we’ll all be connecting remotely. So, we want to share some ideas on how to make this recital feel special for your kids. This is new, and things that are new can always be tapped into for good times, fresh fun, and treasured memories.
#1 – Make DIY Recital Tickets Together
Arts and crafts projects are a great way to fill any afternoon when you have kids at home who are feeling cooped up, and this activity is easy, cheap, and rewarding. That’s the perfect trifecta of kids’ crafts.
- Step 1: Print out some free blank ticket stubs such as this one (and if you don’t have access to a printer, simply draw your own, or cut out some basic rectangles).
- Step 2: Have your kids fill them out however they like, helping them as necessary.
Encourage them to be creative. Draw pictures! Get silly!
#2 – Set Up a Concession Stand
Few things filled me with more glee as a child than playing make-believe. A pretend movie theater at home can be, in many ways, infinitely more fun than going to a real movie theater. Make a game of it! As a bonus, this will also help your other kids to share in the fun if they are only watching and not performing.
- Step 1: Prepare some snacks on a table that will be only for the recital. Pick some theater treats that will make the day feel special, like popcorn.
Pick some healthy snacks for before, and dessert for after.
- Step 2: Make up some silly, arbitrary prices for all the snacks.
Bonus points to whichever family member thinks of the funniest price.
- Step 3: Assign somebody as the concessions “cashier” for the duration of the recital.
#3 – Transform the Living Room Into a Concert Hall
There is nothing like a bit of fun and drama to make a day more meaningful, and to turn a performance into a lasting memory.
- Step 1: Rearrange the living room, the same way you would if it was a ‘blanket fort’ kind of day. But this time, you’re transforming the living room into a concert hall. Make one half the designated ‘audience’ area and one half the ‘stage’ area. (Note: this is a good time to do any tech setup you might need to do with cameras, mics, or instruments.)
- Step 2: Decorate! Maybe you have some party streamers lying around, or some fancy tablecloths. A simple handful of decorations can go a long way. Hang some homemade signs together, directing everybody to the main event.
- Step 3: Final touches. Bring the chairs from the kitchen in and set them up in rows. Label the chairs like a concert hall – “Row A, Chair 1, Chair 2, Chair 3…” This will help distinguish the event from any other day in the living room.
Try putting chair assignments on your DIY tickets!
- Step 4: Dress up for the occasion. Dressing up is the perfect way to pull the whole event together and really make it shine, and makes for good photos too.
Stay tuned for more information on our online recitals. For more musical insights, and for other news about Allegro School of Music and how we’re continuing to keep the music alive in the Tucson and Arizona communities, email us directly at tucsonmusiclessons@gmail.com, or visit us on our website.
